Compass basics

A compass is an instrument used to show the direction of magnetic north. and is used for navigation and to orientate a map.

Parts of a compass

There are many versions of the compass out there; some serious tools ant others gimmicks for sale in outdoor shops. Most commonly a compass has

**8-Point Compass Rose**
	Has the directions of the eight principle winds - the 4 Cardinal directions (N, E, S, W.) and - the 4 Ordinal directions (NE, SE, SW and NW) : North corresponds to 0°, and the angles increase clockwise, so North East is 45° East is 90°, South east is 135° South is 180°, South west is 225° West is 270°. North west is 315°

**The 16-Point Compass Rose**
	Includes the Half winds North at 0°, NNE - North North East North East at 45° ENE - East North East East is 90°, ESE - East South East South east is 135° SSE - South South East South is 180°, SSW - South South West South west is 225° WSW - West South West West is 270°. WNW - West North West North west is 315° NNW - North North West North at 360°or 0°